Norwegian innovation in New York

Their Royal Highnesses The Crown Prince and Crown Princess began the day at Cooper Hewitt, a branch of the Smithsonian Museum and the US national museum of design.

Norwegian design on display

In 1952, Norway presented the Security Council chamber as a gift to the UN. “The world’s most important room” was designed by Norwegian architect Arnstein Arneberg. Norwegian painter Per Krohg created the wall mural, while Norwegian textile artist Else Poulsson designed the tapestry covering the walls. The chamber was recently refurbished and upgraded with modern technology, but the design remains the same.

Yesterday, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess presented a framed sample of the original tapestry from the Security Council chamber to the Cooper Hewitt museum, for inclusion in its permanent collection.

“As the most important design museum in the US, your role as curators and custodians of design history is internationally recognised. We are proud that today the textile by Else Poulsson becomes a part of your permanent collection, alongside work by the world’s most influential designers,” said Crown Princess Mette-Marit in connection with the presentation.

There is growing interest in new Norwegian design in New York, and several up and coming designers participated in the event together with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

Luncheon with the music industry

Norwegian music is also making inroads in the US, and the Nordic countries are home to leading music technology companies such as Spotify and Wimp. With Norwegian artists such as Kygo, Nico & Vinz, Cashmere Cat, and others performing well on the charts, US companies are now specifically seeking out Norwegian talent and Norwegian partners. 

Music Norway promotes Norwegian music exports and establishes contacts as well as meeting places where Norwegian companies can present their performers. Yesterday, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit attended a luncheon with representatives of the Norwegian and US music industries. Conversation centred around opportunities for Norwegian music in the US market.

Norwegian demo day

Twice a year, Innovation Norway and the Consulate General in New York send 10 Norwegian start-ups to New York to learn about marketing, branding and sales. These are entrepreneurs with an established business in Norway and international ambitions.

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess had the opportunity to meet with this autumn’s 10 selected companies, which were gathered together to present their business ideas to interested parties in the US. Afterwards, their presentations were judged by a panel of American investors. The event was held at WeWork, a collaborative office space for start-ups and other enterprises where Norwegian companies can create contacts with like-minded companies, investors and customers in the US.

Concluded their visit at the Norwegian Seamen’s Church

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit concluded their visit to New York at the Norwegian Seamen’s Church. Centrally located on 52nd Street in Manhattan, the church bears King Olav’s name and is an important gathering place and social hub for Norwegians living in or visiting the area.